Sacred Duty

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Lovers and Emu:

Choosing someone as our partner means investing in our togetherness; that when one of us goes up or down, the other does too. —Rachel Glik

With the Fool, there is unconditional trust as he steps into the world. The Lovers, a harmony of opposites, need trust too if their relationship is to stay strong. This doesn't mean they can't grow and change individually, but it does require a commitment to being trustworthy (honest, dependable and loyal). Such a relationship is not like a business, full of competition, transactions, and status-seeking. The Dreamtime story of Emu and her sister Wild Turkey tells a tale of infanticide and self-mutilation in an effort to outdo the other. No one 'wins' in these kinds of situations and often revenge plays on repeat. The Marines have a saying that sums up their core principles of camaraderie, duty and loyalty: "No man (or woman) left behind." Good partnerships follow the same principles.

Stockpiling

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Saturn in Pisces:

We have a choice every day to do whatever we do, and that choice is quite scary because it could absolutely change everything about our lives. 

—Andrew Haigh

This fox is building an arsenal, readying for a battle of words. He is like people who, instead of having a hard conversation, save up everything someone else says. Then after months go by, they blow up and hit the other person with a truck load of words, reminding them of all that was said in the past. It's a lot easier to fix something small than to wait until it's become enormous. The discipline and responsibility of Saturn arrive in the empathy and escapism of Pisces. Dealing with big emotions can be scary (and sometimes we do need to wait a beat). But to stuff things down for a long time rather than accepting responsibility for communicating them can result in a collapse of the relationship when things finally explode. It's time to replace those old communication habits with some healthier ones.

Sunny Side?

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Leo:

You might ask, is there always a sunny side? Maybe not. Or maybe it just reveals itself a little further down the road when our perspective broadens enough to see the whole picture.

―Richelle E. Goodrich

Place makes the statement that even the wealthy can find themselves in this position. Like the unbalanced beggar who reaches out though coins lie at his feet, we are rarely satisfied and constantly consumed with getting more. Place suggests what is missing is something greater than ourselves - the Quinta Essentia (fifth element) - an incorruptible energy of the universe. Focusing on spiritual principles and values rather than ourselves can give us another perspective of the world. Moon in Leo describes someone who is creative, loyal and warm-hearted, yet they always need validation from others. Unfortunately, this need can tank our self-worth when not received regularly. Instead, we might try validating ourselves, using our own yardstick of core values and goals to see how we're measuring up.

Seeking Answers

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Knight of Vessels; from Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Mercury in Scorpio:

Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate. ―Carl Jung

This Knight of Vessels wades into the shallow end of his unconscious to see what is there. Since it speaks through symbolism, he must not take anything too literally but sort out what these symbols mean to him personally. With Mercury in Scorpio, a sharp intellect meets with psychology, creating a profound drive to uncover hidden truths. Information may come out that causes us to reappraise our life. The Knight card seems to question why we frequently make unhealthy, hollow relationship choices, whether with friends or partners. Mercury in Scorpio would suggest three questions to consider:

1. Has unresolved, traumatic childhood experiences shaped our understanding of how relationships work?
2. Does low self-esteem make us think we deserve whatever we get? Do we define our worth by whether we please someone?
3. Are we so uncomfortable being alone that we grab the first available person?

Dangerous Luxury

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Hermit; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Taurus:

A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and understanding. 

–Marshall McLuhan

The Hermit represents the alchemical process of exaltation, the final operation that elevates a purified substance into its highest state. He's gained a lot of knowledge but also formed a lot of opinions; now he must look within to see how he got to this point. He uses meditation, first concentrating on something to calm his mind, then uses that clarity to gain insight at what is happening internally. He observes that his stream of experience constantly changes. He notices that the internal (mind) and external (outer phenomena) condition each other, shaping how he views his world. Yet this world is constantly shifting too, and he realizes those opinions and assumptions that appear in the moment may not be useful to keep. The Moon in Taurus is a cushy placement that sends us seeking emotional comfort in physical pleasure, security and consistency. This seems to be a pretty human response, yet the Hermit warns of change coming. Enjoy fully what is, he says, without tightly gripping it, whether it's internal or external.

Untamed, Uncontrolled

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Chariot; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Venus in Pisces:

I know not of any other single thing that brings such woe as the mind that is untamed, uncontrolled, unguarded and unrestrained.  —Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya)

Place's Chariot is illustrated with the mythical figure of Phaethon, the son of Helios, the sun god. The boy decided he had what it took to fly the sun chariot across the earth; unfortunately, he scorched the earth, dried up rivers and injured people. Zeus then sent a thunderbolt and fried him. Arrogance is fueled by an exaggeration of skills, while self-confidence is based on a realistic assessment of abilities. The Chariot asks us if our impulsive thoughts and emotions hold the reins or if we do. How do we know? Norman Fischer explains that we if we are controlled or compelled by them, then they are guiding us. Venus in Pisces is emotionally porous, vulnerable to the energies and moods of the outer world. Learning to observe our mental weather without being swept away can keep us from being at the mercy of those reins pulling us to and fro.

Chasing Desires

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Magician; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Venus in Aries:

The discipline of desire is the background of character.

—John Locke

Place describes the Magician as the "soul of appetite, focused on the attainment of worldly desires." In the quote, Locke speaks of desire not as romance, but the way we want, take and consume. All desire starts in the mind, a focus that becomes a plan and strategy, that then manifests when we apply effort to create it. Venus in Aries is fiery, passionate, and unabashedly direct, approaching what is wanted with the zeal of a warrior. The booklet suggests we remain assertive but use gentleness and courtesy. As the saying goes, “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Desires are natural, but we need to be discerning about which ones we choose to chase - we might end up with something we didn't bargain on.

Embodied Abundance

This week I'll be using the Alchemical Tarot Renewed along with the book Alchemy and the Tarot, both created by Robert M. Place and published by Hermes Publications. Paired with it will be the Oracle of the Radiant Sun deck and book set, created by Caroline Smith and John Astrop and published through Eddison-Sadd Editions. The draws for today are the Empress and Adaptability (Moon in Gemini):

Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.

—Wayne Dyer

Many indigenous cultures view the land not as a resource, but as an active, living being. It is not surprising that the Empress is seen as an embodiment of the land, a symbol of natural abundance. While there are many who do live in poverty, there are also those of us who have plenty yet live with a mindset of scarcity. Often this is because we get caught in the comparison trap, but we may view resources as a means of control. We may mistakenly think they can protect us against all of life's uncertainties. Moon in Gemini folks process emotions through talking, thinking, and analyzing to understand them fully. Rather than live in fear of never having enough, this card asks us to take a logical look at what we have and how our needs are being met. We may discover that we are rich in ways we never considered.

 

A Flow

From the Fey Tarot, the King of Chalices; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the King of Spades:

Think of freedom as a way of experiencing life itself - a continuous flow in which you meet what arises. —Ken McLeod

The King of Chalices is all about equanimity - not indifference or avoidance, but meeting what arises calmly. Of course, he experiences a full range of emotions, but he doesn't get hooked by the mental stories they create. He allows the physicality of them to flow through and out of his body without adding mental fuel. The King of Spades in Sibilla decks can represent a priest, scientist or judge; each of these professions are guided by a particular method: a sacred text, empiricism or the law. When we find ourselves in a rip current of emotions, what method can we use? We let go of putting ourselves and what we want first. Then we attend to what is in front of us.

Examined Lives

From the Fey Tarot, the Seer (High Priestess); from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Eight of Hearts:

An unexamined life is not worth living. —Socrates

To "Know Thyself," as the ancient Greeks encouraged, means a practice of self-awareness and personal accountability. We see our strengths and limitations, our motivations, our patterns of behavior, and the defense mechanisms that protect our egos. The Seer/High Priestess understands wisdom and insight requires effort and practice. We're inclined to dismiss what others tell us much more often than when we suddenly see and understand things on our own. She would tell us to study with an open mind, but more importantly, find some time for quiet and stillness to observe and question our thoughts. The Eight of Hearts implies doing pleasant, relaxing things to help restore an optimistic outlook. Relaxing in such ways can relax our minds too, moving us away from future plans or reliving the past. It's a good chance to see where our mind naturally goes, and practice changing the channel if necessary.

Not an Easy Job

From the Fey Tarot, the Three of Pentacles; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Ten of Spades:

In most cases being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way. ― Tina Fey

Both of these cards show someone keeping an eye on things. Is it harder to hire people who want to do a good job vs. those who just want a paycheck these days? Lately I've seen a lot of restaurants fold, not because they didn't have a good product, but because they didn't have good management. Good managers manage the flow of business, keeping watch over the whole process while allowing skilled employees to do their job independently. They don't mind jumping into help, whether it's with a customer or a task, but only when it's needed. Yet they also expect their employees not to steal or be slackers (neither is a good way to "adjust" one's pay scale). Look for another job if the pay doesn't reflect the work required. Yet at the other end of the spectrum is the micro-manager (like the lizard on the fey's shoulder), who uses excessive supervision as a means of control and never asks for suggestions. I've been both manager and employee, and neither is an easy job.

Unnatural Compromise

From the Fey Tarot, Justice; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Ten of Hearts:

Those that first ask us to bend our principles a little will ultimately return to ask for more and more. They will, ultimately, require us to contort ourselves into utterly unrecognizable positions. Moral compromise is never a single act. It creates a precedent…and then another, and another.

—Ryan Holiday

Justice is blind - to outer posturing and ostentation. Her gift allows her to be impartial and fair so that truth is served and ethics are upheld. What is it that allows us to move away from these principles? Is it a desire to secure our own comfort, or perhaps to please someone else? As the Holiday quote notes, this is a slippery slope, and at some point, there will be consequences for our choices when balance is restored. The Ten of Hearts represents a constancy in our love for others. This is not to exclude ourselves, but to recognize that we are all a part of a whole - separation is just a mental delusion. Afflictive emotions - those that cause us misery - all begin with the seed of self-absorption.

Handful of Water

From the Fey Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Two of Diamonds:

That is what happens when the heart door opens- you become less yourself than part of everything. Many are the sentinels who guard that door...

― Roger Housden

A young fey makes an offering of a handful of water. It's like the shy smile offered in a group of strangers, a tendril extended to see if any heart responds in kind. That tentative exchange might be stifled by the memory of past relationships, yet we are animals who thrive on belonging and connection. If we are willing to take a chance and be vulnerable, we might find a friend or partner who can help us discover joy. Though I don't often write them, I do appreciate letters. They tend to be more thoughtful and less rushed, more conversation than just the facts. It is a relationship on paper, yet one that allows us to say what we might not otherwise. Letters and notes can be the handful of water that opens a heart.

The Kindness of Connection

From the Fey Tarot, the Queen of Chalices; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Five of Clubs:

Compassion manifests in us as the offering of kindness rather than withdrawal.
—Sharon Salzberg

The drops emerging upward from the Queen's cup are her version of texts, calls, and letters to see how people are doing. She is a listener, one who can empathize with kindness without self-identifying and drowning in the feelings of others. Compassion isn't trying to fix someone - which is often just a reaction to our being uncomfortable. While we may offer advice if asked for, it's more about bearing witness to someone's pain so they don't feel alone and disconnected. The Five of Clubs suggests good fortune that is created by our own actions. As St. Basil said, "They who sow courtesy reap friendship, and they who plant kindness gather love."

Plan Accordingly

This week I'll be using the Fey Tarot, a book and deck set created by Riccardo Minetti and Mara Aghem. This set was published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle I'll be using is the I Misteri della Sibilla, created by Ettore Maiotti and published by Dal Negro. Today's draws are the Two of Wands and the King of Hearts:

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. 

―Christopher McCandless

We all have experienced the restlessness that comes with wanting something new to learn or experience, a chance to broaden our horizons. But when the opportunity arises, do we jump out of our comfort zone or hesitate? The King of Hearts, a mature, often retired man, would suggest a pause. Excitement can make us impulsive, causing us to neglect investigating, planning and preparing. Having experienced much of life (including making his own mistakes), he might bring up McCandless from the quote above. McCandless hitchhiked to Alaska and entered the Alaskan bush with minimal supplies, hoping to live simply off the land. He was woefully unprepared and ended up taking shelter in an abandoned bus. A hunter later found his body; his cause of death was starvation. We all need new ways to explore our world, but there is a big difference between dreams and reality. Plan accordingly.

Learning and Supporting

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three speeches better than silence:"

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. 

—Hal Borland

The Six of Wands arrives after a period of strife and challenge. Lessons were learned and insights gained that turned things around for us. The animals represent traits that were needed to get to this place: the lion represents strength and courage; the owl symbolizes vigilance and wisdom. It was much more than luck that got us here. The three speeches better than silence involve giving courage to those who are anxious, offering knowledge that might be of help, and praising someone for the skills gained through hard work. We are all struggling, sometimes with small things, other times with weighty matters. Offering words of support and encouragement can be the light that shines in the darkness of others. 

Tick Tock

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Queen of Disks; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three things that show a weak man:"

It's your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop. 

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Queen of Disks is associated with Capricorn's sea-goat, a fitting symbol for someone who is sure-footed (capable) and able to move with the flow (resourceful). She takes pride in creating a haven for people and providing for their needs. She often acts as a facilitator, assisting and helping prepare others before they take on a big project or other endeavor. The Brehon's three things that show a weak man - bitterness, hatred, and cowardice - are all ways people try to duck reality rather than dealing with it. Inner strength allows us to move forward, keeping in mind what is truly important; to forgive, as we refuse to take everything personally; and stay grounded as we face adversity. This Queen would agree, reminding us that no one gets to hide in a refuge forever.

Wipe Your Feet

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Three of Disks; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three sons whom folly bears to anger:"

I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet. 

—Mahatma Gandhi

The Three of Disks is titled 'Work' - it shows what happens when our will flows consistently in a stream of effort. We begin to see our progress, which is encouraging and can keep us going. It's like mowing grass when it's hot outside; seeing how nice it looks when we're halfway done can keep us on task. This card encourages us to maintain our momentum and stay focused. The three foolish sons of anger from the Brehon card suggest self-absorption that shows up as resentment, a refusal to listen, and ridicule. Some folks can't abide others outshining them in any way. Don't get distracted or drawn in by their antics. Hold on to that determination!

After the Storm

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three drops of life:"

If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.

—Frank Lane

The intense emotions of pain, fear and frustration have passed, and now calm, contented pleasure arrives. Is there anything more wonderful? Of course, the seas of life never stay calm forever, yet our job (as Pema Chodron would tell us) is to make room for all of it. The Brehon card lists the drops of life as a drop of blood, a teardrop, and a drop of sweat. They represent physical vitality and life; deep love and empathy; and the effort of perseverance in the pursuit of purpose. To think that we can live a human without any hardships is pure fantasy. However, we can widen our perspective when we are going through these challenges so that we can notice the good as well.

Noticed or Admired?

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon, "The three things that constitute a buffoon:"

Men value things in three ways: as useful, as pleasant or sources of pleasure, and as excellent, or as intrinsically admirable or honorable.  —Mortimer Adler

Dominion is the keyword for the Two of Wands; having dominion suggests we are the master of our 'house.' In other words, we use our will with wisdom, purposefully taking charge of the way our lives unfold. The Ace gave us an idea, now this second wand allows us manifest something with it. Whether we squander it or use it beneficially, it will become a piece of our reality. The Brehon card states that buffoons blow out their cheeks, satchels, and bellies. This saying points out people who are full of self-importance, like to boast about what they have, and are gluttons. Such a squandering of power begs the question, "Do we want to be noticed or do we want to be admired?"

Power Play

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three laughing stocks:"

The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change. —Malcolm X

The Two of Swords in the Thoth tradition represent a peace gain through mental flexibility. Like the moon, we need to be able to change our ideas when necessary. Cognitive elasticity enables us to enhance our problem solving, regulate our emotions, and improve our relationships because we see other viewpoints. The angry man, jealous man and miser in the Brehon card are ridiculed because they are trying to control what they can't and lose the power they have. The angry man loses control to his emotions (which now control him); the jealous man loses the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy what he has; the miser becomes what he fears - functionally destitute - because he refuses to use his resources. If we can master our attitudes, then we can master change.

Effort's Honey

This week I'll be using the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, created and self-published by M. M. Meleen; I'll also be using the Words of the Brehon Oracle, created and self-published by Olivia Wylie. Today's draws are the Nine of Disks and "The three things for which a friend is hated:"

It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted. —Mary Flannery O’Connor

Gain is the keyword for the Nine of Disks, yet it doesn't refer to some unexpected windfall. It is a consequence of diligent and dedicated work: a satisfying result that allows for a comfortable cushion. The effort and energy we put in will be reflected in the outcome, but only if our work is beneficial and intentional. As O'Connor notes, we can be busy without actually doing anything useful. The "Three things for which a friend is hated: trespassing, a distant manner and fecklessness" also hints at what makes friendships solid: respecting boundaries, being warm and friendly, and taking responsibility for one's actions and promises. Friendship has many rewards, but as the bees would tell us, it requires time and energy to thrive. 

Power Claimed

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Empress; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Butterfly:

If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.

―Michelle Obama

The Empress may not have the authority of the Emperor, but she definitely has power. While he is concerned with control (law and structure), she's interested in flow (growth and sustenance). Hers is an inclusive approach; she rules with empathy and understanding, seeing all the parts and not just a conglomerate. Butterfly is given the keyword fragility: as a creature hypersensitive to the ecosystem, it is a symbol of the climate crisis. This insect reminds us that regardless of our station in life, we can still raise awareness when things have gone off the rails. As Alice Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Old Shoes

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Tower; from the Insectorum Divinorum, The Nest:

An old belief is like an old shoe. We so value its comfort that we fail to notice the hole in it.

— Robert Brault

We all hold old beliefs; they're like amulets designed to protect us. But we can get so comfortable with them that we ignore little changes until a big shift knocks us off our feet. We grasp for anything that promises solid ground, but we need to be careful that we're not putting our trust into another illusion. The Nest represents safety and comfort, a place that allows us to grow. Rather than relying on the group or institution that fed us false beliefs to begin with, we need to take time to look at our experience realistically and see where our ideas led us astray. As Vanessa Zuisei Goddard explained, "On the spiritual path, to study means to immerse yourself in the landscape and not just read the map."

Ropes and Snakes

 From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Nine of Wands; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Parasitism:

To heal is to touch with love that which was previously touched by fear.

—Stephen Levine

The booklet describes this Nine of Wands as "expecting difficulties." People who've experienced domestic abuse, an unhealthy work environment, or trauma due to war or natural disasters have a hard time relaxing. As the Arabic proverb says, "Those who have been bitten by a serpent are afraid of a rope." Parasitism, represented by a flea, is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits - taking nutrients or resources -at the expense of another (the host). An Al-Anon or Nar-Anon member would quickly make a connection to such a relationship. Dealing with someone whose chaotic lifestyle creates unending demands keeps a person sleeping with one eye open. Those of us who have trouble enjoying life because we think the objective is to survive it need help to heal. We need those who are compassionate and discerning, people who can point out the difference between ropes and snakes.